Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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194. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has engaged in ensuring standards are being met in design for active travel in Cork city, particularly in respect of the routing of cycle lanes onto footpaths. [21582/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel infrastructure. The National Transport Authority (NTA) along with the relevant local authorities are responsible for the development and delivery of individual projects.

In addition to the above, a National Guidelines and Standards Group has been established within my Department to oversee and coordinate all guidelines and standards (including cycling and other Active Travel projects) which have been developed by TII, the NTA and Department of Transport. This group comprises of members from each of these bodies as well as the City and County Management Association (CCMA). It also covers the areas of quality control, training and implementation monitoring. Progress to date includes:

- Circulars setting out a framework for guidelines and standards, as well as improved quality control measures;

- Updates to DMURS Guidelines and supporting training on these guidelines, including online workshops and graduate programmes.

In support of the quality of infrastructure, there is much work underway in terms of core standards to support this. Both the NTA and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) are updating relevant documents on cycling and Greenways and urban cycle lanes. Any new Active Travel infrastructure funded by my Department must be designed in compliance with the guidance and standards set out in the National Cycle Manual, which is currently being revised and updated. This work has been underway for over a year and is geared to reflect best practice including improving design standards. In support of this, the Department of Transport is also working on updates supporting the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS).

As the National Transport Authority (NTA) has oversight of Cork City Council in relation to active travel infrastructure, it has responsibility for ensuring implementation of projects in accordance with the aforementioned requirements. Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, i have forwarded your query to that agency for a more detailed response. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.